Top 10 Restaurants In Woodland California

Woodland is a thriving suburb, just 20 miles outside of Sacramento. Though it is growing rapidly, the city still has a charming, small-town feel. The city’s restaurant scene has expanded as well, with much to offer for foodies, with a variety ranging from burgers to sushi, barbecue to street tacos. We list the best spots to explore for great eats.

View All Trips

The Burger Saloon

Bar, Pub, American, Beer, Pub Grub

Looking for a laid-back night out in Woodland? The Burger Saloon is comfortable and pub-like, while still being welcoming and family-friendly. As the name states, its specialty is burgers. Try one of over 20 unique house specialties, or choose from a variety of toppings and build your own. For something a little out of the ordinary, try the Sophisticate with roasted garlic, brie, and oven-roasted tomatoes, or the PB&J with peanut butter, bacon, and fried jalapenos. If burgers aren’t your cup of tea, The Burger Saloon offers lighter fare like creative salads and soups. Wash it all down with house-made lemonade or a root beer float for a true-blue American meal.

The Elephant Shack

Deli, Restaurant, Vegetarian, American

Though it’s a bit out of the way from downtown Woodland, The Elephant Shack is worth the jaunt. It is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. The exterior of the little restaurant invites you in with a giant, friendly looking painted elephant. The vibrant colors continue on the inside, making for a fun and uplifting environment. The dining room is small but sufficient, and staff is always happy to see you. Wake up to classics like country fried steak or a Belgian waffle and eggs for breakfast, or visit later in the day for lunch. Build your own sandwich with a huge list of toppings, or try a house favorite: the cheesy bacon hot dog.

Jinju Sushi

Restaurant, Sushi, Beer

Get a taste of the Far East at Jinju Sushi. The restaurant could be easily missed, as it is housed in a strip mall next to a bank, but don’t let this little sushi gem pass you by. Jinju is open for lunch and dinner and serves the freshest sushi in the area. The menu features Japanese standards, along with creative house specialties. Each dish is masterfully prepared and a feast for the eyes and for the palate. Jinju’s best-selling rolls include the Pioneer, the Woodland, and the Lobster roll. Beyond the hand-rolled sushi, Jinju serves excellent small plates like gyoza, tempura, and Korean BBQ ribs.

Kitchen428

Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Kitchen428 is an absolute treasure in Woodland’s dining scene. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that has been a part of the city’s downtown landscape for over a hundred years. Though it has seen a host of different residents and renovations, the building has retained its charm. The interior features exposed brick walls, tiled ceilings, and tasteful antique décor. Kitchen428 is both an upscale dining spot and a hopping lounge and bar. The atmosphere is almost reminiscent of a classy New Orleans restaurant. The menu features farm-to-table entrées with fresh flavors and no guilt. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s a great place for brunch and fruity mimosas.

Ludy’s Main Street BBQ

Restaurant, American

For a true western experience, look no further than Ludy’s Main Street BBQ. For over 20 years, the restaurant has been serving up a heaping dose of homemade, rugged goodness; there isn’t a better place in town for barbecue. Ludy’s slow-cooks, smokes, and hand-makes everything that is served. The restaurant is especially famous for its smoked, barbecued meats. Pork ribs, chicken, beef, and sausages come straight from the smokehouse to hungry customers. And of course those meats are best when paired with the restaurant’s own sweet and zesty BBQ sauce. Round out your plate with a side of cowboy beans or cornbread, and you’ll have an unforgettable meal.

Maria’s Cantina

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, Vegetarian

California certainly has its fair share of great Mexican food. Maria’s Cantina is one of the best in Woodland, a step above already high expectations. The owners and chefs strive to provide excellent classic Mexican fare while staying fresh and innovative. With clean lines and warm tones, the interior has a rustic-chic vibe. Spice up your mid-week by visiting Maria’s for Taco Tuesday, or keep the weekend party going with the nacho bar on Sunday nights. Whenever you visit, you’re sure to be treated with warm hospitality and a kick of flavor.

Tacos El Paisano

Food Truck, Restaurant, Mexican

Tacos El Paisano is a double-threat in Woodland, serving street-style tacos from both a brick and mortar store and a taco truck. The food truck has gained wide popularity in the area over the past five years. Of course, the mobile eatery’s most popular menu items are the authentic tacos. The storefront location offers those same tasty tacos and a much larger menu to go along with it. Perhaps it’s the hipster vibe that accompanies the food truck trend these days, or maybe just an appreciation for something out of the norm, many regulars still feel that Tacos El Paisano on wheels is superior to its counterpart. Either way, you can count on a great meal that won’t break the bank.

Pupuseria La Chicana

Have you experienced the pupusa craze yet? These little delights are originally from El Salvador and other Latin American countries and consist of thick corn tortillas filled with a variety of interesting ingredients. At Pupuseria La Chicana, guests can choose from fillings of cheese, meats, vegetables, or squash. The disc-shaped pupusas are always served with pickled vegetables, kind of like American coleslaw. If you are craving something else entirely, you’ll find other options like carne asada plates, tacos, and fajitas. Most everyone already loves Mexican and Latino food, and this is a perfect place to join the pupusa trend and try something a little out of the ordinary.

9 Main St #123, Woodland, CA, USA +1 530 668 0270

Quetzal

Restaurant, Mexican

The folks at Quetzal are serious about having a good time and behind its lightheartedness and fun, this restaurant may just be the most authentic in town. The menu consists of some Mexican classics that Americans would expect, but it also stays true to lesser-known dishes that will ring true to Mexican natives. Have you ever tried pozole or gorditas? How about menudo, the unique soup of tripe and a broth steeped in red chili peppers? The bold flavors at Quetzal are sure to cure any hankering for south-of-the-border fare.

Taqueria Guadalajara

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

As you can see, Woodland isn’t lacking in paces to find Mexican fare, but Taqueria Guadalajara stands out. The family run restaurant has been in business for nearly 25 years, beginning as the dream of three industrious brothers. The setting is uncomplicated and simple, but it gives Taqueria Guadalajara a character that is comfortable and unpretentious. The food is always on-point, and the service is never less than fantastic. In addition to crowd-pleasing, authentic food, Taqueria Guadalajara gets customers coming back again and again for its chip bar. With any purchase, guests can nosh on an unlimited buffet of fresh, house-made chips, salsas, and toppings.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.